On from Santiago

Well, the sunsets on all adventures at some point. It was worth walking the last 20km to the west coast and then the 32km to the official end of the world. tears of elation and joy. But this is only a chapter in life, however much fun.

Arrival in Santiago

I arrived before 9am in the morning then spent 36 hours bumping into people I had walked with and who had supported me on the way

I have arrived!

After a mamouth day of around 38km yesterday (felt like 20!) I had a 5km stroll into town this morning. picked up my Compostella & foudn Wil & Wart in the hostel. A big releif to have made it & everything still be intact: even my boots.

No great thoughts of wisdom to share. The being alone with nothing but thoughts for most of 5 weeks is something I would recommend to those that are not faint hearted.

Boots

I have been betrayed by my boots. An external seem has started to come undone. It progressed significantly further at 50km. I am debating if I need to buy trainers incase they give up the ghost in the last 40km (yes that is all that is left to go). I have gaffer tape and crocs. They might get me through. But is it a risk worth taking???? If it rains I will be somewhat stuck.

Into the last 100km...

I will be in Santiago by Tuesday at the very latest. I can´t believe 769km plus all the evening walking has come to an end in less than 5 weeks. I might walk the English pilgrimage route to the airport in A Coruna. Depends if it rains or how good the cloths shopping is. Not yet reached enlightenment but have had a great time & still a week left!

More food

This Alberge fed over 40 with this paella.

Down the last mountain

Suddenly the buildings have slate rooves.

Not smiling?

A lot of wine was consumed with the medieval meal. I had had the sense to have my rucksack taken down the mountain in a taxi. Best 7 euro ever, saved the old knees.

Medieval banquet on top of a mountain with Candaians. I laughed so much.

I would post the pictures of the food, but then I would look like a glutton as I obviously ate it all & it was almost half a pig.

More symbols of Christian faith.

This was on the way up to Fero de Cruz, whicxh is the high point of the walk (I am talking literally).

Still not figured how to rotate these. I am in Astorga here ( I think, I am ashamed to say it really is all merging into countryside or town). Anyway another pilgrim statue to try & imitate.

Follow the signs

There are sufficient of these arrows that you have to be really day dreaming to get the route wrong. Needless to say this does happen. Someone shouts or whistles to correct things pretty quickly.

Thunder

It is thundering like mad. Perhaps the rain will finally come.... hope not....

Any one gone to see that Charlie (oops Martin) Sheen film yet?

Parador in Leon.

No domritory in Leon.

Took a room to get away from the snoring!

This is Alison, a Canadian lady I walked with for a few days. Same sense of humour. Deadly. Someone actually laughing at my jokes...

Tired anyone?

Can´t figure out how to rotate pictures this evening!

La laguna next to my alberge on the Messata

Walking over the Masseta has not been the most beautiful, but the early moring I left here there was  a lovely light mist.

Photos taken near Pamplona with the Wilkie-Jones'

I walked 32km today, let me tell you about it...

17km of 'roman road'. ie straight and dead boring. I mean I wanted to 'go home' boring. Instead of paying attention I just became really introverted and stopped at every bench (not enough benches by the way). Twas hell. My feet, my NEW blisters (I could say more).

Anyway a cafe appeared at at 17km & I discovered everyone else was having just as bad a time. How uplifting that was. No I am serious. It was a relief others found it just as hard. Anyway I had my daily chocolate malt drink & some pain killers & life became dandy. Suddenly I was walking on my own rather than in a procession and instead of stopping at the 17km mark (which I had been promicing myself for most of that 3 hours) I walked 32 km and am now in a delightful SMALL alberge with a great ambiance and am about to have dinner. I just realised I have not cooked for 3 weeks. How good is that!

No more picutres. 2 days from Leon. Should be interesting. I might bail out like I did at Burgos. Lets see!

Another one for Julie:

There are so many poppies.